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Lemony Spinach Couscous
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free option available
Description
Lemony Spinach Couscous is a quick, easy, and nutritious dinner that features fluffy couscous combined with fresh baby spinach and zesty lemon. This vibrant dish offers a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or light weekend meals. Packed with iron-rich spinach and whole grain couscous, it’s both wholesome and satisfying, easily customizable with proteins, nuts, or fresh herbs for added texture and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fine or medium-grain couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for finishing)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous: Bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the couscous, stir briefly, then cover and remove from heat. Let it steam for about 5 minutes until fully hydrated and fluffy.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: While the couscous steams, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook just until wilted, preserving its vibrant green color.
- Combine and season: Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Mix in the sautéed spinach and garlic. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Final touches: Drizzle a bit more olive oil if desired, adjust the seasoning, and toss everything gently to combine evenly for a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Do not overcook the spinach; wilt it just enough to retain color and nutrients.
- Fluff couscous gently with a fork to avoid clumping and keep it light.
- Always use hot liquid to hydrate the couscous for best texture.
- Adjust olive oil and lemon juice gradually to suit your preferred moisture and flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Steaming
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg